Letters to the Editor

I'll be providing bi-weekly updates that will touch on the positive happenings in the Economic Development Commission and the Conservation Commission here in the City of Torrington.

I can't believe that it is December already! Before you know it, it will be 2013.

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I'd like to continue to talk about what is happening on our Economic Development Commission. Last time, I touched on the website project the Commission is working on as well as my idea of analyzing the actual reasons (based on fact) as to why some businesses have chosen not to come to Torrington. By looking at and understanding those reasons, we can then work towards a solution.

I have heard that people believe businesses will not come to Torrington because the population numbers are too small, or that there isn't enough money in the area to support certain businesses.

I've been guilty of believing this too, so I figured I should do some research into it.

This perception isn't the reality; according to the Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey, there are 188,789 people living in Litchfield County! That's 188,789 people that could potentially come to shop or work in Torrington, all within a 20 minute drive.

According to that same Census report, the average annual household income in Torrington was $67,245 (median being $49,903) and over 20% of the population makes $100,000 and up per year. Even more impressive though is that the average annual household income in all of Litchfield County is much higher at $94,185 (median being $69,097) and over 32 percent of the population makes $100,000 and up per year.

Now there are certainly many people that do not make this amount (me included!) and I'm not ignoring that Torrington does in fact suffer from a high poverty level.

But if a business is hesitant to expand into Torrington because they think it isn't "big enough" or "wealthy" enough, we show them that isn't the case. More businesses equal more jobs, for everyone.

--Stephen Michna, Torrington

Service to you; Thanks for the support

The process of selecting a new Fire Chief for the City of Torrington has been completed.

As I start as the Chief my promise to the citizens and visitors of the City of Torrington is that we will provide you with the most professional and compassionate service possible.

It is my job to lead the personnel of the Torrington Fire Service and we are to take care of you in your time of need. It is my job to serve you and the personnel of the Torrington Fire Service each and every day.

To the Mayor and Board of Safety, thank you for having the confidence in me to lead the Torrington Fire Service as we move forward together in providing the best possible emergency services to our Citizens.

To all the people of this City who showed support for me during the selection process, it will take me a while to thank you all in person but I will, no matter how long it takes.

The reason we all go to work is to be of service to, and protect all the people of this City.

The support during the process was incredible and I want to publicly thank you all, for I work for you each and every day.

Finally, thank you to the personnel of the Torrington Fire Department -- the incredible show of support and respect for the Chief's position was very humbling.

It is my honor to serve all of the personnel of the Torrington Fire Department and the Torrington Fire Service as we move forward in providing the best in emergency services to the Citizens we are sworn to protect.

As I left City Hall the evening of my appointment the acceptance of me as your Chief was something I did not expect, with all of you lined up the entire stairway saluting me as I exited the building. It was an incredible show of respect.

I salute you all and will work hard every day to provide you with the resources to protect our Citizens and the assets of the City.

We must always remember it is about service to the Citizens we are sworn to protect.

I want to thank all those who have supported me and the Fire Department so that we can continue providing this City with the best possible service to all.